Saint John Sea Dogs general manager Darrell Young informed McQuaid he had been dealt to the Quebec Remparts.

“I thought he was joking and then it kind of sunk in,” the Meadow Bank native told The Guardian after the deal was announced. “Definitely mixed emotions, but I think when the shock rolls over, I’m going to be really excited.”

The 18-year-old defenceman had three assists and 134 penalty minutes in his 53-game rookie season with Saint John.

“Leaving a place like Saint John is definitely hard. I loved it there,” he said.

“It’s a business in this game. They got an offer and they couldn’t refuse it. I don’t blame Saint John at all.”

But he is looking forward to getting settled with the Remparts, who are hosting this year’s Canadian Hockey League championship, the Memorial Cup, from May 21 to 31.

“(I’m) going to Quebec, going to the Mem Cup (hosting) team, so I’m really excited. Great place to play, great city,” McQuaid said.